In Missouri, were I live, you do not have to file anything ever and that is the way we do things. I keep records, because in Missouri it is required but my records are in my file cabinet and there they sit. In Missouri records are only needed if the county prosecuting attorney wants to see them, and home schoolers are the least of their concerns.

Wow! Missouri must be a great place to homeschool. I wish we could do that but it doesn't happen that way here in PA. I won't push things either and fly under the radar so to speak because I'm afraid of what could happen if I did.

I've flown "under the radar", so to speak, until now because my kids are not of compulsory age. I've been content to have stopped receiving communication and brochures from our school district. I intend to file according to state law when my son reaches compulsory age. I don't think it's worth it not to - flying under the radar can make it appear like you have something to hide and that can bring big trouble. As a homeschooler, I have nothing to hide. I am legally entitled to homeschool my child and I intend to take advantage of that. I will abide by the laws and give them what they're legally entitled to - no more and no less.

To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent.

Papillon Mom wrote:We are in California. Does anyone know about not filing here?

This is JMHO.

Children in California must be enrolled in a private or public school, or tutored full time by a credentialed teacher.

If you file a private school affidavit and are challenged, you have a case. Your dc are enrolled in a private school, the one you informed the state of when you filed an affidavit.

If you do not file an affidavit and you are challenged, you don't have a case. By law your dc are truant, because they are not enrolled in a public or private school or tutored full-time by a credentialed teacher.

Now, some people do not file an affidavit because they have a strongly held religious belief that the government does not have the authority to require it, sort of a parents' right thing. They also do not get Social Security numbers for their dc or do other similar things. They are consistent in their belief. HSLDA has been known to defend people under these circumstances.